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DRAM SHOP

ACCIDENTS

If you were involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, you may only think that the driver is the only liable person. However, when a person becomes intoxicated, the bar or restaurant responsible for that intoxication might also be to blame.

A dram shop is an older term that refers to any place where alcohol may be purchased. This includes mostly restaurants and bars, but may also apply to some retail establishments.

If a person purchases alcohol from a dram shop and goes on to harm another person, usually through a car accident of some sort, the alcohol seller may be considered responsible.

When proving liability, evidence may include:

Eyewitness testimonies: If other people saw the establishment serve the intoxicated driver that later injured you in a crash, their testimony could prove the shop’s liability.

Surveillance footage: Most establishments are now protected by surveillance footage both inside and out. This could help point liability to the dram shop.

Receipts of purchase: Any receipts or records of alcoholic purchases made before the incident could sometimes be enough to prove dram shop liability.

Drunk drivers experience slower response times and will often make very hazardous mistakes, such as drifting into neighboring lanes, ignoring stop lights, or driving on the wrong side of the road.

While the driver should undoubtedly be held accountable for his or her actions, so should any other parties who contributed to the crash. By serving an excessive amount of alcohol to a customer, or serving an already intoxicated customer, dram shops put everyone at risk.

Damages from dram shop DUI cases may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, or even funeral costs.

If you or a loved one has been affected by the recklessness of a drunk driver, it’s crucial that you contact an experienced drunk driving accident attorney in Winston-Salem who will fight on your behalf. We understand every step of the legal process, and will get you the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one has been injured, or even killed, in a drunk driving accident. Contact us today to receive a free case consultation; we are here to support you.

If you believe that you or a loved one may have a personal legal claim, you can contact us in one of three ways: